Michael Phelps deserves an Inner Harbor statue

As the 2012 Summer Olympics drew to a close, so did the career of the most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps, Baltimorean extraordinaire. We've watched Michael grow from a gangly 15-year-old Olympic rookie into a 27-year-old Olympic champion. We've been honored to watch his amazing growth and transformation. As with all youngsters it hasn't always been perfect, but it's as close to perfection as anyone has ever gotten. And in the end he's our boy. This great athlete deserves our permanent recognition for his singular achievement.

I propose a statue in front of our National Aquarium. Michael might be as much fish as human, so the location is most appropriate. The aquarium is the most popular tourist attraction in our city, and Michael would therefore always be in the forefront. This is how we need to honor the greatest athlete Baltimore has ever produced. Thank you, Michael. You will always be an inspiration to us and our city.